IN CONVERSATION WITH SHAZAD LATIF
interview by JANA LETONJA
Shazad Latif is poised for a major breakthrough with his leading role in Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’, one of 2026’s most anticipated films. Following acclaimed turns in ‘Magpie’ and ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’, ‘Wuthering Heights’ marks Shazad’s ascent into true global stardom, cementing his place as one of Britain’s most magnetic leading men.
We’ll be seeing you in ‘Wuthering Heights’ soon. What first drew you to Edgar Linton and Emerald Fennell’s reimagining of this classic?
It’s a film that was in my life ever since my Nan had it as a VHS and I would watch it over and over as a kid. Obviously, any chance you get to work with Emerald Fennell, you jump at. You get the audition and you’re like “Holy shit, this is a big one”.
Fennell’s storytelling is known for being provocative and layered. How does her version of ‘Wuthering Heights’ differ from what audiences might expect?
It’s a much more visceral version of the film that I’ve seen. It’s incredibly emotional. However, it’s true because it’s Emerald’s version of what she felt when she was fourteen consuming the story for the first time.
Edgar Linton is often portrayed as the “civilised” foil to Heathcliff. How did you approach bringing new dimension and depth to that character?
What I love about this version is that you get a glimpse into each person’s heartbreak. There’s a nice balance between the fact that they’re all seemingly ‘mad’, but actually, it’s all love. You understand why each person makes the decisions they do. Edgar is quite stern and civilised, but he’s also incredibly modern in the sense that he even lets Heathcliff into his house, knowing that the woman he loves longs for him. As Emerald put it, he’s a ‘milquetoast sap’ in other versions. He’s not that in our version. You understand why Cathy goes to him. Not just because he’s rich, but because he’s clever and kind. And he’s a credible threat to Heathcliff.
‘Wuthering Heights’ is about obsession, class, and desire. What themes felt most resonant to you personally?
I can relate to all of them, as can most humans. But especially within the character. He’s an upper-class, half-Indian, eighteen fifties textiles merchant, which I think explores all of those themes.
The film’s visuals and trailer have already gone viral. How does it feel seeing this level of global anticipation?
It’s always nice to be a part of something that’s got a lot of hype. You never know what’s going to happen with any job you do, so it’s always exciting. Obviously, Emerald Fennell is a brilliant director, so it’s exciting to be a part of one of her projects.
You’ve had a fascinating trajectory, from ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’ to ‘Magpie’ and now this. How do you choose projects that challenge you?
I don’t think I have as much choice as people seem to think. If an audition comes through, it’s either through an agent, or because I’ve worked with someone on that team before, or they may have seen some of my work. I always aspire to do something different. It’s nice to enter different worlds, but you don’t always get the choice.
Looking back, which project or role had the biggest impact on your career so far?
Each one’s a little stepping stone. When I did ‘Penny Dreadful’ and ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’, that felt like a step up into a new territory. I’ve got to shout out ‘Toast of London’ as well. In terms of creative impact, ‘Profile’ was a different way of working than what I’d ever experienced before.
The industry is in a moment of redefining what a “leading man” looks and sounds like. Do you feel that change personally?
As a 'brown actor', it’s slightly harder for me to believe that. I can see progress, but it’s much slower and there’s many more obstacles than I would have liked when I was just starting out. It feels like it’s two steps forwards, one step back. But I think it has to start from the top in terms of seeing more minorities in creative roles - creators, writers, producers.
With ‘Wuthering Heights’ about to drop, how are you feeling heading into this next chapter of your career?
I hope I maintain this level of quality in my work. Everyone on this project is amazing at what they do. I hope it breeds continual work.
Finally, if you could tell audiences one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’m good at sports.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent SHAZAD LATIF
photography BYPIP
hair and makeup CHARLIE CULLEN
interview JANA LETONJA
